Monday, July 10, 2006

Sheung Shui Da Jiu Festival

Da Jiu Festival taken place once in every 60 years in the Sheung Shui community. During the festival, the "Ghost King Parade (大士出巡)" will be held. Dozens of the male village dwellers bring the 20 feet high paper-made Ghost King to run around the village.

It is their belief that all ghosts will follow the Ghost King during the parade. Therefore, they are not allowed to call others' names, otherwsie the ghosts will go to that people's homes.

Besides, women are not allowed to join the parade or they will bring bad luck to their families.

The parade is finished by the ritual of burning the Ghost King to send him back to the underworld.